Walker (6-4, 280 pounds) played defensive end at FSU but Denver moved him to outside linebacker when a host of edge defenders suffered injuries this offseason. Walker has seemingly struggled to adjust to playing as a linebacker and recorded just two tackles as a rotational defender in six games.

Walker has also struggled to adjust to playing on special teams, something he was not asked to do in college. Consequently, Walker has been inactive the last three games and that may not change anytime soon.

“We have three experienced outside linebackers that we’ve played with over the years, so to be the fourth guy you have to play teams,” coach Vance Joseph said after practice Thursday. “You have to be a core guy and he hasn’t done that.

“Until he learns how to play teams, he won’t progress as the fourth guy. Now if he was a third or second, that’s different, but as a fourth outside linebacker you have to be a core teams player. He’s not that right now, so he can’t dress.”

Walker excelled as a defensive end in college, recording 45 tackles and 16 sacks during his senior season at FSU. But a position change and an inability to play special teams have hampered his rookie season.

Perhaps Walker will move back to defensive end and find more success in 2018. If not, he’ll be in danger of being labeled a bust.